para
/paɾa/
The English phrase 'in order to' is translated into Spanish as para. Wiktionary also lists a fin de and para poder.
Meaning: as a means of achieving the specified aim (conj)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| para | /paɾa/ /ˈpaɾa/ |
| a fin de | /a ˈfin de/ |
| para poder | /paɾa podeɾ/ (from spelling rules) |
These phrases are used to express the purpose or the means of achieving a specific aim.
Which one should you use?
a fin de and con el fin de are more formal alternatives.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some Latin American countries, particularly Mexico, a fin de que is a common formal choice.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using para to express purpose, it must be followed by an infinitive verb.
How do you pronounce it?
/paɾa/
What mistakes should you avoid?
When expressing purpose, do not follow para with a conjugated verb (the indicative mood).
Did you know?
- The word para has a secondary, completely unrelated meaning in certain contexts as a clipped form of the word paramilitar.
- The word para is an ancient linguistic blend that grew from the combination of the Latin roots prō and ad.
- In Spanish, the concept of 'in order to' is often expressed as 'to the end of', using fin to describe a goal rather than a stopping point.
Examples in context
- Él trabaja para olvidar.He works in order to forget.This sentence shows the use of para followed by an infinitive.Tatoeba #1509018 by marcelostockle, translation #1506989 by CM
- Corrí para llegar a tiempo.I ran in order to be on time.Tatoeba #1277043 by Shishir, translation #1276134 by CK
- Nos falta algo para ser felices.We're missing something we need in order to be happy.Tatoeba #2304940 by marcelostockle, translation #11142901 by DJ_Saidez
- Estoy estudiando español con el fin de comunicarme mejor con mis clientes hispanohablantes en el extranjero.I am studying Spanish in order to communicate better with my Spanish-speaking clients abroad.
- Para entender las necesidades de nuestros clientes, realizamos encuestas periódicas.In order to understand the needs of our clients, we conduct regular surveys.
- Para ahorrar dinero, voy a dejar de comprar café en las mañanas.In order to save money, I'm going to stop buying coffee in the mornings.
- Me he inscrito en este curso con el objetivo de mejorar mis habilidades de escritura.I have enrolled in this course in order to improve my writing skills.
- Voy a escribir un informe con el propósito de presentar los resultados a la dirección.I am going to write a report in order to present the results to management.
- Para aprender más, debes practicar a diario.In order to learn more, you should practice daily.
- 141 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo and Sofía are talking about their study habits.
- MateoEstudio mucho para pasar el examen.I study a lot in order to pass the exam.
- SofíaYo también leo libros para aprender más.I also read books in order to learn more.
- Mateo¿Quieres ir a la biblioteca para concentrarte?Do you want to go to the library in order to concentrate?
- SofíaSí, Mateo, vamos ahora mismo.Yes, Mateo, let's go right now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “in order to” translations and entries para, a fin de, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries a, a fin de, de, fin, para, poder, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
